‘I’m lucky and blessed’ - Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares emotional update one year after cancer diagnosis

Virgin Radio

20 May 2024, 08:22

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has taken to social media to share an update a year after she received her cancer diagnosis.

The professional dancer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, and underwent a mastectomy last July. She battled sepsis, as well as a blood clot on her lung, before having what she hoped was her final chemo treatment in November.

In February, she revealed that she is now free from evidence of disease, and now, a year after her first diagnosis, she has posted on Instagram. Sharing a photo montage, she wrote: “These past few weeks and especially days I’ve constantly been thinking this time last year I was having this test, or this appointment. A year ago today it was confirmed what we thought it was but it became reality and my life changed forever when the Dr said we are sorry Amy it’s cancer.”

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She continued: “I can’t believe it’s been a year and all what my body has been through and achieved. A year ago Ben, myself and my twin sister cried together and had to pull ourselves together as we had to break the news to my parents and just knowing the heart ache and worry it was going to cause. I used to lay awake for hours with my mind going to all sorts of places, would I make it to Christmas, would I dance again, how’s Ben going to cope, I don’t want to lose my hair, you name it. 

“I wish I knew then how I would be a year on. I told myself constantly this too shall pass and a year on, my hair growing back, my energy getting better and better, back dancing and most importantly spending time with my family and friends and appreciating life. I have a new body I’m still learning to accept and like, but do you know what it got me through the hardest time and I’m so proud of myself.”

The Welsh dancer concluded: “Too many people are affected by cancer and I’ll do all I can now to raise awareness and give back. To those struggling right now I’m sending you love and strength. To those family and friends who stuck by me I’m forever grateful to you! I know I’m lucky and blessed for another shot at life, here’s to a healthier, better, happier and dancing year ahead! …. Now a gentle reminder, have you checked your chest this month? Early detection can save lives.”

Friends were quick to comment on the post. Strictly Judge Craig Revel Horwood wrote: “❤️sending all the love my darling.”

Fellow dancer Vito Coppola added: “Beautiful Amyyy, We are waiting for you, Cannot wait to have you back with us and then our family will be complete again. 🙌 Sending you all my love.”

Another Strictly star, Dianne Buswell, said: “Love you ❤️”